December

It’s finally here – the season of good cheer, fluffy snow (fingers crossed), and endless family entertainment. Whether you are looking for Santa in a grotto, on the steam train or at the farm, whether skating takes your fancy or crafty sessions when you create your own Christmas decorations, whether you like carols by candlelight or sparkling lights of a firework – it’s all in our listings, just read on. And have fun!

Until 1 January 2024 11am – 9pm (last skate 8pm), excluding Christmas Day
Skate under the sun, moon, and stars
Whatever the weather, enjoy the festive season and skate at the new clear roofed ice rink at the enchanting Cathedral Gardens, offering an atmosphere of festivity and fairy tale for couples, families, and groups looking for some fun this winter.
Skating sessions last up to 45 minutes
The Cathedral Gardens,
Manchester, M4 3BG
www.skatemanchester.com

7 December 2024
Feel Good Kids Art Club at Whitworth
Fun and expressive art and mindfulness session in the Whitworth’s peaceful Art Garden, Whitworth Park, and Clore Garden Studio. Aimed at ages 7-12, children will explore calming mindfulness techniques, all while connecting with nature and creating their own meaningful artwork.
Please bring weather-appropriate clothing and something to drink. All art materials are provided.
Free, booking required
Location: Clore Garden Studio & Whitworth Park
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/feelgoodkidsartclub/

9 December, 11am, 12noon for toddlers, 13.45pm, 14.45pm for babies
Music Makers
Monthly music and sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers.
For parents with both baby and toddler, babies may attend toddler sessions. The same does not apply in reverse, as toddlers tend to be more boisterous and we want to keep the baby sessions more relaxed.
Tickets: £5.00, 1 ticket admits 1 child plus accompanying adult
Barbirolli Room,
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

13 December 2024, 10.30am – 2.30pm
PLAY days at Whitworth
A space for under 5s and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. Whitworth’s School of Creativity space will be packed full of huge tubes and pipes, big boxes, crates, large reels, tyres, and lots more, creating a world of endless possibilities to explore and create.
The Whitworth,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/getinvolved/families/playdays/

13 – 14 December
13th – 14th December, 5pm – 9pm (last entry 8pm)
After-hours with the Mermaids
Come and meet the magical SEA LIFE mermaids at SEA LIFE Manchester!
Tickets: £25 adult, £21.50 child, £5 passholders
Pre-booking is essential
SEA LIFE Manchester,
Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester M17 8AS
Tel: 0161 749 2875
www.visitsealife.com/manchester/explore/events/after-hours-with-the-mermaids

21 December 2024, 09.30am – 11.30am
Who let the dads out?
This is a free monthly group for dads or father figures and their children aged 0 to 8 years old. There will be toys and activities for you to enjoy with your kids, as well as a bacon or sausage butty and a brew. It’s a place where you can meet other dads, make new friendships and share the ups and downs of the parenting journey.
Cale Green Life Centre
71 Adswood Road
Cale Green,
Stockport, SK3 8HR
Contact Helen on 07532 781061 or at helen.eadie@360life.church to find out more.
www.stockport.gov.uk/events